Ron Kunitzky’s Blog - Geyser Marketing

Google to provide Verizon with Mobile Search

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:48:00 +0000

It was once the partnership strategy to get on to the homepage or the desktop and now, it's about getting on to the mobile devices. As Google looks to continue their premier position as a leader in providing search services, they are nearing a deal with Verizon that will feature Google as the default search engine on their mobile devices. You can read more here:

Verizon-Google Mobile Search Deal Nearly Done

Starbucks, Pepsi and Unilever Partner to Grow the Tazo Tea Ready-to-Drink Business

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:32:00 +0000

Get you favorite 'Super Premium' Starbucks Tazo Tea at your local grocery store....Starbucks recently announced the closure of over 700 stores...Interesting move to generate revenue via other streams in a downward economy. Customers might still want their 'Tazo Tea', yet perhaps will prefer drinking it at home and spending less on it, as a result. Read more here:

Starbucks, Pepsi and Unilever Partner to Grow the Tazo Tea Ready-to-Drink Business

Manchester United Partners with Saudi Telecom

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:29:00 +0000

Only Manchester United or the New York Yankees could pull this one off...

Manchester United could earn as much as £10m from a marketing partnership with Saudi Telecom. Read more here....

Manchester United signs up Saudi Telecom as sponsor

HMV Partners with Bell Mobility in Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:26:00 +0000

With in-store music purchases shrinking, HMV certainly needs something to fill that empty retail space...Interesting 'test pilot' in Canada's largest market, yet I'm wondering why they gave Bell Exclusivity?....You can read more here:

HMV Canada and Bell launch exclusive retail partnership

HP Partners with Style.com

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:09:00 +0000

I picked this one up earlier today.....Interesting story on how HP has partnered to create a microsite that features content from Style.com to affiliate their brand to the fashion category. To some, this could appear like quite a stretch in terms of partnering, yet with Apple (one of their competitors) successfully associating their brand to fashion, perhaps it's not such a stretch afterward.

You can read more here:

How Media Partnerships Can Rock Your Brand

NFL partners with NBC to stream games online

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:32:00 +0000

The NFL has announced that it will partner with NBC to stream games online during the upcoming season: NFL, NBC to Stream Complete Games Online

This is a first for the NFL starting with all Sunday and Thursday night NBC broadcasts. The segment is going to be called "Sunday Night Football Extra" and will feature additional camera angles of live game shots and multiple video streams as well. It's a good move and there is likely more to come of this with other networks that carry the traditional 'Sunday Lineup' of games. Question remains - who will host the stream? Should it be featured on the NFL website or NBC's website or both? It depends on how the partnership is cut out, yet one thing that I always like to point out in these types of situations is that when you engage in activities with another brand, it's important to be clear about 'which party will be responsible for what' and always take in to consideration how it affects other channel partner activities that you are currently running or plan on running in the future. You may be setting a precedence that doesn't bode well for your brand down the line.

Does the NFL want to run the stream from their website and do so in all cases or will the carriers be permitted to do so from their websites? Either way, it means that if only one route is available, that the owner of the channel controls the traffic or the 'viewer' in this case and as a result, many strategic and commercial advantages remain to be gained from being in that position - Be careful NFL...This is new territory.

Microsoft Live Search Partners with Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:20:00 +0000

I've said this before and I will say it again...without Distribution Partnerships like the one that Microsoft Live Search has recently agreed to with Facebook, Microsoft will not increase their market share within the 'search category' all that significantly. Looks like they are starting to focus on their Partner strategy, which is good news for them. It's hard to say if Facebook members will use MSN Live Search or not, but it's a solid strategy on the part of Microsoft and I credit them for getting in with Facebook ahead of Google.

You can read more about this Partnership here:

Microsoft adds Windows Live Search to Facebook

The Basics of a Marketing Partnership

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:12:00 +0000

Came across this article yesterday...Like what Kaye Z. Marks has to say about developing Marketing Partnerships....

The Basics of a Marketing Partnership

Toronto Maple Leafs Partner with Coca Cola to give away free tickets

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:24:00 +0000

The Toronto Maple Leafs have added an extra game to their 2008 preseason schedule, and they're opening the doors free to all fans with a unique ticket giveaway opportunity in partnership with Coca-Cola Canada.....Read more here:

Leafs partner with Coca Cola

Bank of America, MLB & Bon Jovi Partner....

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Bank of America, MLB & Bon Jovi Partner....

With the 79th Major League Baseball All-Star Game fast approaching at Yankee Stadium, Bank of America is hoping its promotional activities leading up to the game will keep its brand top-of-mind among New York consumers.Among several initiatives, Bank of America will present a free MLB All-Star concert on the Great Lawn in Central Park. Local Jersey boy Jon Bon Jovi, whose current "Lost Highway World Tour" is the top-selling tour in the world, will be the one to perform at the concert on July 12.

Social Networking Sites don't target Boomers

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:42:00 +0000

Came across this yesterday....According to e-marketer.com, only 22% of 'Boomers' (aged 40 and over) use Social Networking sites....

http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?id=1006359&src=article1_newsltr

Marketers are using Social Networking sites more and more, likely because it's inexpensive, yet what needs to be considered here is who your are targeting and the time spent on developing such campaigns. If you are targeting the 'Boomer' demographic....you are likely better off partnering with a brand that is relevant to your proposition and will get you in front of your target audience, even if it does cost a more to do so. It's not about cost, it's about meeting your marketing objectives.

Microsoft Partners with Online Retailers to offer 'Cash Back'

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:09:00 +0000

If you are looking for a new 'cost effective' online partnership to promote your online store....this may be the one. Microsoft Live Search 'Cash Back' now has online retailers listing products in their 'Live Search' at a fixed CPA and paying only for Sales Generated. Interesting program.....

You can read more about it here: http://search.live.com/cashback/cashBackForAdvertisers

Microsoft and Yahoo look to Partner to take on Google

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Mon, 19 May 2008 23:26:00 +0000

After several recent takeover attempts, Microsoft is now exploring a partnership with Yahoo which will result in having a true 'number 2' to Google in the search engine space. Buy taking a minority stake in the company and buying Yahoo's search business unit, Microsoft would find itself in a better position to compete with the aforementioned search giant. It's all well and nice to think that Microsoft can buy Yahoo's search business and then steal additional share from Google on top of it - yet, I think it's easier said that done. Google is, without question, the search 'destination brand' and through a series of desktop applications, their online partner network and reach through various channels and applications (including wireless), Google will not be easily outdone, even by a giant like Microsoft. I think that what Microsoft would have to gain the most from by any type of partnership with Yahoo, would be the opportunity to benefit from wider reach and access to larger online audiences to promote their software products to. They can try all they want with regard to search, but they will only move the needle a tiny a bit in their direction.

MySpace hooks up with NBC to show off talent

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:06:00 +0000

This just in...You no longer need to head to one of the 'audition cities' in the US to get on to NBC's newest season of America's Got Talent. In a partnership with NBC, MySpace will accept video submissions from MySpace users and create a "virtual audition city".

Online Auditions....why not? Tap in to a wider pool of talent...Makes sense.

You can read more about it here....MySpace Will Hold Talent Show Auditions

Office Depot, Carl Edwards Team For NASCAR Small Business Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:27:00 +0000

Office Depot and NASCAR driver Carl Edwards yesterday began a contest to select the "Official Small Business of NASCAR." The promotion includes a Web site called "Connect with Carl." The

winning business' company name and logo will appear on Carl Edwards' Sprint Cup No. 99 Office Depot Ford race car during the Kansas 400 at Kansas Speedway on September 28. Small Businesses can enter the contest at www.officedepotracing.com through June 22.

Love how Office Depot is looking to further help their Small Business customers.

McCain teams up with Blockbuster

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:44:00 +0000

Now, inside specialty marked packages of McCain Frozen Pizzas, you can receive a PIN which can be used to obtain a coupon for a free Blockbuster Movie Rental once you enter the PIN at the following website:

http://www.mccainpromotions.ca/

With so many Canadians watching the NHL Playoffs, I suppose this is a move by Blockbuster to get customers in to their stores. Seems like a decent promotional partnership, except for those who don't have access to a Blockbuster store....

CIBC Mortgages hooks up with Sears

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:19:00 +0000

With the heavy 'moving season' around the corner, CIBC Mortgages has teamed up with Sears in Canada to offer customers who get a new Mortgage a free new home appliance. I like the timeliness of this marketing partnership and how it's bundled. Moving is definitely a life stage or behaviour that triggers the purchasing new appliances...

You can read more about it here:

http://www.cibc.com/ca/focus/spring-lending-2008/index.html

Amazon Launches New Applications on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:35:00 +0000

Interesting Partnership.....''Amazon Giver'' and ''Amazon Grapevine'' Let Facebook Users Share and Buy Products Their Friends Want from Amazon.com...Read more here: Amazon Launches New Applications on Facebook

Qwest works on new wireless partnership

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:45:00 +0000

If you plan on being in the 'Access' business in the coming years, you better be sure to have a strong 'Wireless' play. Marketing Partnerships can be powerful, but if you are with the wrong partner or have structured the wrong deal, they can tank your business altogether. With landline subscriptions disappearing, companies like Qwest Communications need to revisit their customer value proposition and their current partnership with Sprint...You can read more about Qwest and their quest for a better 'Wireless' partnership, here:

Qwest works on new wireless partnership

How's your ECP?

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:37:00 +0000

I'm often asked about Marketing Partnerships and how to optimize them. Obviously, every case is different, but there is something that is typically at the core of every great Marketing Partnership and those that have it are being rewarded accordingly. It's what I call 'ECP' and if you don't have 'ECP', then your Partneship is destined to fail. A personal relationship is often defined as an Emotional Connection to another Person. The foundation of a Marketing Partnership is the Economic Connection to your Partner. Like in our personal lives, we define our relationships by the level of connectivity to the other person. When speaking of Marketing Partneships, if we don't have a strong connection to our Partner, then our relationship is likely to fail. Both your organization and your Partners' business must have a strong economic connection to make the partnership work. Without it, the value will not been demonstrated and if you are not making money together, then it will be neglected and eventually become non-existant...........How's your ECP? Are you seeing the value?

CMA's First Ever Partnership Marketing Seminar

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:34:00 +0000

I'm happy to advise that I will be giving the first ever Partnership Marketing Seminar for the CMA (Canadian Marketing Association) tomorrow at the Holiday Inn on King in Toronto. There is still some room, if you would like to join us for the day...Check out the details here:

Partnership Marketing Seminar - CMA

YouTube Partners with their Broadcasters

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 23:01:00 +0000

I've been waiting for this to happen.......Creators of User Generated Content who will Get Paid for posting their material online.

For the legions of dedicated YouTubers looking to turn a buck off of videotaping their homespun antics, Christmas may be coming a little early.

Google's popular video-sharing property said today that it's opening its partner program to the public.

Under the program, YouTube shares a portion the revenue it gains from ad placements inside or alongside popular videos. The site deposits the majority of the proceeds into the partner's AdSense account.

This is a true Marketing Partnership........One that rewards the users who drive the business.

Love it!

Read more here: YouTube: Broadcast Yourself, Get Paid

Want to develop Cause-Related Marketing Partnerships?

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:14:00 +0000

After speaking with Gail Martin from DreamSpinner Communications, it turns out that there is a lot to think about when a ‘For-Profit’ company is looking to partner with a ‘Non-Profit’ company….Here is what she had to say:

1. Why would a For-Profit Company partner with a Non-Profit?

Many reasons….It could be that a member of their leadership team has an active interest in a particular cause and wants to support it throughout his organization. By supporting the local economy and region by which you work in, through a partnership with a Non-Profit, it creates a better community to live and work in and as a result, the For-Profit that works out of that community will benefit by drawing upon a more talented workforce as they operate within a geographic region that is attractive to top talent. We have seen the emergence of Partnerships between For-Profits and Non-Profits for victims of Katrina in an effort to re-build communities that were hit hard by the natural disaster, and all is in an effort to attract people to the region and bring it back to a viable place to work and live.

2. What are the first steps that a For-Profit Company should take, when looking to partner with a Non-Profit?

Great question. This can be broken down in to three (3) basic parts:

Do your Due Diligence….Learn about them. How they operate?, What they stand for?, Who they serve?, What their employee make up is? Where they operate? Etc…..
Ensure that there is interest in the program you are putting together…Get commitment at all levels and emphasize communication from pre-launch, through to launch and ensure that accountabilities and responsibilities are well outlined and assigned.
Understand the cultural difference of a Non-Profit…..You need to accept the differences between For-Profit and Non-Profit and accept those differences. Also, many Non-Profits are Volunteer driven, so their timelines work differently as they are measured differently.

3. What’s an interesting learning or observation that you have seen in the For-Profit / Non-Profit Cause Related Partnership space?

What I typically have seen is that Large Corporate companies are less likely to get involved in Cause Related Partnerships than local privately held companies or ‘Mom and Pop’ shops. Large Corporates are less likely to take the time to look at the communities that they operate in and work with local Non-Profits because they are not as permanently vested in the those communities, at least from a senior management perspective, which ultimately makes the decisions surrounding Partnership initiatives. Having said that, there are exceptions…Like McDonald’s and their Ronald McDonald Houses across North America, but for the most part, executives in head offices that are removed from the communities they operate in are not as likely to form regional Cause Related Partnerships that will help the multiple geographic areas that they operate in, especially because each and every region faces different issues and has different social priorities.

You can read more about Gail Martin and DreamSpinner Communications here…

Beer & Crustini anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 13:41:00 +0000

Independent Brewer Lakeport is giving away free Stouffer's Bistro Crustini sandwiches when you buy a 24 pack of their Pilsener, Honey Lager or Lakeport Light brews. Interesting partnership, but I am not sure about the demographic fit. For one...do the brands target the same customers? Perhaps Crustini plans on going more toward the mass market, and partnering with a cheap and cheerful beer company via a free sampling offer, would be a good way to achieve that objective, yet I find the price point of the Crustini product out of whack with the Lakeport proposition. Don't get me wrong here, I'm sure a fair number will be happy to redeem their coupon for a Free Crustini sandwich, yet the real question is whether those same people who tried the product, will actually pay for it down the line. I'm not so sure....

You can read more here:

Get a Free Stouffer's Bistro Crustini Sandwich

Who would you Partner with?

noreply@blogger.com (Geyser Marketing) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:17:00 +0000

Attention Business Development, Partnerships, Sales, Alliances and other Managers and Directors who are responsible for Strategic Marketing initiatives....If you could develop a Marketing Partnership with any Brand on earth, who would it be and why? Furthermore, why have you not called on them yet?

Think about it. What are you trying to achieve? What are you immediate and longer term objectives? Which brand can help you achieve it and what would the Partnership look like?

Don't waste anymore time. Start now....Look at your assets and what you have to offer and after you complete your audit, determine what you are missing and select the best possible Brand to help you get there.

Let me know.... Would love to hear about it!